Stampede Erupts at Muzaffarpur Animal Fair Amidst Khesari Lal Yadav's Performance

An animal fair in Muzaffarpur turned chaotic as a stampede broke out just before Bhojpuri singer Khesari Lal Yadav's performance. The overwhelming crowd surge led to police intervention, raising serious concerns about crowd control and safety measures. Eyewitnesses reported injuries, although no serious casualties have been confirmed. The incident has sparked criticism of the event's organization and preparedness, overshadowing what was meant to be a vibrant cultural gathering. Videos of the chaos have circulated widely on social media, prompting discussions about the need for better management at such events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 12:10 IST

Chaos Unfolds at Animal Fair

Photo: IANS

Patna, April 2: An animal fair in Muzaffarpur descended into chaos on Wednesday evening, just prior to a performance by Bhojpuri artist Khesari Lal Yadav. The situation escalated into a stampede as the crowd surged uncontrollably.

This incident occurred in the Garha police station jurisdiction of Aurai block, where a significant number of attendees had gathered for the event organized by former minister Ram Surat Rai.

As word spread about Khesari Lal Yadav's impending arrival, throngs of people rushed towards the stage, overwhelming the available arrangements.

The lack of effective crowd control led to the police resorting to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

Witnesses noted that numerous individuals fell during the turmoil and suffered injuries.

Despite this, there has been no official report confirming any serious injuries or fatalities at this time.

“Many individuals fell amidst the chaos, but there has been no official word on severe injuries or deaths,” stated an eyewitness.

The disorder interrupted the entire event, necessitating the evacuation of the stage area before the performance could commence. Alarmed spectators either fled the venue or remained at the site.

Local residents criticized the organizers for failing to provide adequate security measures to match the scale of the gathering.

This incident is not the first controversy associated with the fair; previously, a viral video depicted a scuffle between performers, raising concerns about event management.

Footage from the recent incident has circulated on social media, showing police using batons to manage the crowd as panic ensued.

The visuals have ignited widespread debate, with many blaming both the event organizers and local authorities for their lack of preparedness.

The fair, which attracted thousands for livestock trading and cultural activities, had generated considerable local interest.

However, this incident has overshadowed the event, revealing significant shortcomings in crowd management and safety protocols.